The center, which has one entrance off Bellaire, officially opened its doors June 1.

The recommendation was made by the Parks and Recreation Board after an analysis of the area that yielded several conclusions: opening the street would allow emergency vehicles to enter the property if trains stop traffic on Bellaire; residents would have an option to "potentially dangerous" exiting onto Bellaire; pedestrians and cyclists would have neighborhood access to the property; and the entrance would prevent traffic congestion in the parking lot.

Council voted to spend no more than $25,000 to make the street an entrance and exit, complete with sidewalks and a marked hike-and-bike lane.

For the second time this year, residents on Cason Street argued before council the dangers of opening the street.

"We're worried about the traffic on Cason," said David Cole, explaining that cars would use the street to access Weslayan Street.

Furthermore, the Recreation Center is already accessible to hikers and bikers, he said, and suggested adding only sidewalks. Living on Cason for 27 years, Cole said he is unaware of any problems accessing the site, formerly owned by the Southwest YMCA, from Bellaire.

Robert Booth, also a Cason Street resident, warned council that particular stretch of the street is prone to flooding, and extending it would only breed trouble.

"It floods in that area now," he said, adding water comes within feet of his garage. "It should be for pedestrians and bikes only."

Once the street is opened, council discussed the possibility of putting in a stop sign or reducing the speed limit to 20 mph.

Apartment plans opposed

In other news, council passed a resolution opposing a proposed 12-story apartment complex on Shakespeare Street near Kirby Drive.

City Manager Michael Ross said the high-rise posed a threat for increased traffic in West University, despite the fact the development would be located in the city of Houston.

"There would be a natural overflow of cut-through traffic," he said.

There was also a question of whether a multifamily dwelling would negatively impact the property values of single-family homes.

Patrick Trask of Wood Partners, the developers of the high-rise, told council the company would be willing to consider reducing the tower's size to 10 stories or less. Including the 45 apartments that currently exist at the site, he said the project would only add 140 new units.

Wood Partners has not conducted a traffic study but is considering doing so, Trask said, insisting the development would actually reduce traffic by cutting the number of people who drive to the area for restaurants and shopping.